Small print, big impact: secure your bicycle properly

Your two-wheeled companion is probably very dear to you; it takes you here, there and everywhere and is always ready for you. It goes without saying that you want to protect it from theft. And should it be stolen, you'd want the theft to be covered, so your hard-earned cash doesn't just go to waste. We read the small print in the theft coverage for you, and what did we find? Proper securing is essential to guarantee that your bicycle is covered in the event of theft! So how do you properly secure your bicycle? We'll explain that to you here!

What does the small print say?

The small print? You don’t have to read it all, as we’ve read it for you and set it out clearly ready for you below. This is how you can secure your bicycle properly, so you can count on the protective shield of your theft cover if it gets stolen. There are four major conditions you need to meet if you want to be covered in the event of theft:

• Turn your bicycle into an impenetrable stronghold by invariably using a lock of security class ART-2 type U, level Sold Secure Diamond or security level 10.
• Protect your steel steed like a real treasure – locked up, always and everywhere! Indoors too? Yes, including in your own garage, living room, wash-house, summer-house, etc. Sounds crazy, but prevention is better than cure, eh?
• Secure your two-wheeler to a solid bicycle rack or another fixed object. This applies to both a bicycle you store outdoors and indoors. The aim: to make your bicycle inseparable from the fixed object, so only you can free it with your bicycle lock's key.
• If fate intervenes and your bike does get stolen, it's essential that you can always hand over two bicycle keys. That's how you prove you'd locked your bicycle properly. Do you only have one key left? Then the theft coverage might shut the book on your repayment.

Are you now thinking: ‘Help, I've only got one bicycle key left’? Read our Theft service sheet and find out what you can do.

Secure your bicycle properly with these six tips

Ready for a deep dive into the art of securing? With these six tips, you can secure your bicycle in such a way that you’ll be covered in case an adept bicycle thief still manages to pinch your steel steed.

1. Use a high-quality bicycle lock

There's nothing thieves hate more than a U lock or a high-quality chain lock. These heavy-duty accessories have a reputation among bicycle thieves of being unbreakable and their robust nature will scare them off.

But what is a high-quality bike lock? There are three major conditions the lock securing your bicycle needs to meet if you want your bicycle to be covered in the event of theft:

• Minimum security class ART-2 type U, level Sold Secure Diamond or security level 10.
  
  
• The lock must consist of a chain or be pliable and offer the ability to secure your bicycle to an external object, such as a pole.
  
  
• An electronic lock without two keys is a no-go.

Tip: lease your lock along with your lease bicycle and ask your local bicycle dealer for help.

We'll list several highly reliable locks for you below, which are often chosen by our leasers, for some inspiration:

• Folding lock: Abus Bordo 6500
• Chain lock: AXA Absolute 9
• Combination of frame lock + plug-in chain: AXA Victory + AXA ULC
• U lock: Kryptonite Evolution

2. Find the right place to secure it

Just as you sometimes have to spend a good while looking for that perfect parking spot with your car, you're best off scanning your surroundings for the ideal parking spot as a cyclist too. What does such a good parking place look like? Look for a sturdy, fixed structure that you can secure your bicycle to. This might be a bicycle rack, a pole, a sturdy metal fence, a tree or even a bracket.

3. Secure your frame and wheel

Take securing your bicycle to the next level and secure your bicycle not just using the wheel, but also using the frame. The frame is often quite thick, and can’t just be screwed off as a wheel can be. That means amateur bicycle thieves won’t have the faintest chance! Moreover, it is mandatory to anchor both your wheel and frame according to the theft cover.

4. Put yourself in the mind of a master thief

This tip is for cyclists with a bit of imagination. When securing your bicycle, put yourself in the mind of a master thief. How can you make it as hard as possible for the thief? See if you can secure your bicycle in such a way that makes it difficult for the thief to saw through. For example, hang the lock at a height where it's difficult to break it open. #sorrynotsorry thieves!

5. Really go all the way

Alongside the lock included in your lease contact, also use some extra security measures and really go all the way. Why don't you use an extra lock? Ever thought about a cable? Or how about a bicycle alarm? The more obstacles a potential thief has to overcome, the less attractive your bicycle will become as a target.

6. Store your bicycle indoors

Do you have the ability to store your bicycle indoors? Don’t hesitate to do so! This is the most secure option anyway. And as you know: you need to secure your bicycle indoors too if you want to be covered for theft!

Want any more tips for securing your bicycle against theft? You can read all about it on our blog.

Being aware is half the battle…

You might now be thinking 'wow, those insurances are very strict'. They are. But know that insurance companies impose those strict rules to protect you. Bicycles are becoming more and more expensive and therefore more interesting to thieves. The latter might go the extra mile to get hold of such an expensive bicycle.

Should people not anchor their bicycles correctly, a lot more bicycles would be stolen. By setting high requirements around anchoring, insurance companies ensure that fewer bicycles are stolen and thus insurance premiums do not increase. This way, they prevent you from paying ridiculous amounts of money for your theft cover.

Now you have all the knowledge and tips for properly securing your bicycle, so it can be covered in the event of theft. Those extra few minutes of time for locking your bicycle up securely really do make the difference between… whether or not it’s covered in the event of theft!

Are you leasing an o2o bicycle? Then it's important that you always lock up your trusty two-wheeler (including in a locked room) and that you secure your bicycle properly. More information can be found in our Theft service sheet.